10 Best Energy Drinks in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist
What are energy drinks supposed to do? Are they intended to provide you with energy for some grueling physical exertion or to recharge you after you are done with a tough workout? Energy drinks can do both. They can provide you with instant energy, focus, and alertness, as well as support your body to function at its best in the long run.
We have ten recommendations for the best energy drinks in India from top brands like MuscleBlaze, Optimum Nutrition, The Auric, and more. We have got you covered with some unique features to look for, so after you’re done checking the products, we recommend you to read our buying guide on the best energy drinks. This article is reviewed by nutritionist Ruchi Wadhwa, so keep reading to get verified information.
Quick List - Top Energy Drink
HERBALIFE
Drink With High Levels of Antioxidants for Sportspersons & Office-Goers
Doctor's Choice
Best Energy Drink for Gym - Contains 6g of BCAAs 8.5g of EAAs
Auric
No Added Sugar or Caffeine, Only 8.75g of Natural Sugar
Ruchi Wadhwa is a certified Nutritionist with a keen interest in Ayurvedic science. She has a wholesome, holistic, and sustainable approach to nutrition.
mybest editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in India in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Medically Reviewed by Nutritionist Ruchi Wadhwa
Ruchi Wadhwa is a certified Nutritionist with a keen interest in Ayurvedic sciences. She has a wholesome, holistic, and sustainable approach to nutrition. Check out the Food and drinks section as she has reviewed some more articles on the mybest website.
How to Choose an Energy Drink in India - Buying Guide
The most important factor to consider is the ingredients present in an energy drink. We have a comprehensive guide on the most common energy drink ingredients and their role in energy production. We will also explain the role of sugars in energy drinks and which form to choose, depending on your needs.
Find Out the Ingredients Present In the Drink
We will discuss the pros and cons of various ingredients normally seen in the ingredients lists of energy drinks in India. Learn more about the tonicity of energy drinks, vitamins and minerals that are involved in energy production, and more from the sections below.
Hypotonic - If You Do Short Workouts or Travel in Hot Weather as They Provide Rapid Rehydration
The best energy drinks in the world work by supplying the body with carbohydrates and electrolytes. But the concentration of salts and sugars present in an energy drink determines how much energy it can give you and how quickly. Depending on the tonicity, energy drinks can be classified into hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic.
Hypotonic energy drinks are absorbed faster into your bloodstream since they have a lower concentration of carbs and salts to blood. This type of energy drink can provide rapid rehydration during short workouts, traveling in hot weather, etc.
Isotonic Drinks Help Replenish Burnt Carbs, So Recommended to Medium-Pace Runners
The concentration of salts and sugars in isotonic energy drinks is similar to your blood. It can replenish the carbohydrates burned to provide you with energy and the salts lost through sweating.
But the energy and electrolyte release is slower since isotonic drinks take longer to get absorbed. Since they work slowly, we recommend isotonic drinks to people who prefer running or jogging for longer durations.
Hypertonic Energy Drinks Are Recommended to Ultra-Runners As Salt & Sugar is Higher
Hypertonic energy drink is what you need to top up your glycogen stores before that race of your life. The concentration of salt and sugar in hypertonic energy drinks is higher than in your blood. Hypertonic energy drinks contain large amounts of carbohydrates. So, they are recommended to those who are into marathons and similar ultra-calorie burning activities.
This can increase your blood sugar levels drastically, so regular consumption is not recommended. This type of energy drink can cause dehydration since the body pulls water from your bloodstream to the intestine to dilute it. If you choose to consume hypertonic energy drinks, make sure to drink lots of water.
Hypotonic and Isotonic drinks are used for quick hydration by gymnasts and middle-distance runners whereas, Hypertonic drinks are consumed, after exercise, to make up for energy/glucose lost during exercise.
Caffeine for Those Who Want Focus and Mental Alertness
Caffeine increases energy levels is by inhibiting the neurotransmitter adenosine. This increases various aspects, including mood, energy levels, alertness, and memory. Some of the best energy drinks for studying include caffeine.
But too much caffeine can cause a rise in adrenaline levels, which can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. You could feel jittery, anxious, and irritable. The recommended daily intake of caffeine is 400 mg. Check the nutrition table to know the caffeine content of your energy drink.
Your body could build a tolerance to caffeine with regular consumption. So limit the usage as much as possible. Energy drinks containing caffeine are recommended to those who want to concentrate better on their work or studies.
A 2001 study found that one can of Redbull, with its 70mg caffeine, can increase concentration and memory by 24%. It is a popular ergogenic aid (performance enhancer) as it has the ability to preserve muscle glycogen that alters exercise metabolism, which delays muscle fatigue.
In contrast, caffeine is not for everyone, as it can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and other markers that are not good for the heart. Intake of more than 400mg caffeine per day may cause anxiety, dehydration, sleep issues, and digestive problems.
Go for B-Vitamins and Vitamin C to Reduce Oxidative Stress
Vitamins and minerals don't contain energy, but they play a major role in energy metabolism in our body. The vitamins usually present in energy drinks are B-vitamins and vitamin C. B-vitamins help your body in converting carbs, fats, and protein into energy, improving metabolism, increasing blood flow, etc. Vitamin C can reduce fatigue and improve your mood.
It can also significantly reduce oxidative stress—an unwanted side effect of physical activity caused due to the increase in free radicals. Some energy drinks contain a vitamin-like substance called inositol. As for its benefits, it can stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin (known as feel-good hormones).
See the Amount of Minerals in the Energy Drink - Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Chloride
Energy drinks usually contain five minerals—sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. Also called electrolytes. They are involved in various body functions, including nervous system function, muscle contraction, maintaining your body pH level, and keeping you hydrated.
The daily recommend intake of electrolytes are as follows: sodium - 1500mg, potassium - 4700mg, calcium - 1000mg, magnesium - 320mg for men and 420mg for women, and chloride 2300mg. You get these electrolytes from water and the food you eat too. So make sure that your energy drink doesn't contain too much of these, as electrolyte overload can also cause health issues.
Electrolytes are needed by the body to maintain fluid balance. Apart from this, they may contain vitamins, carbohydrates, and other nutrients that are added for either restoration or performance-enhancing purposes.
People Looking for Energy Metabolism Should Go for Amino Acids
Amino acids are often seen as another supplement to increase muscle mass by bodybuilders. That's not entirely true. There are nine essential amino acids (EAAs) that we need to obtain from food or supplements. They are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
These compounds are involved in many processes inside the body, including energy production, tissue growth and regeneration, fat metabolism, mood improvement, and production of hormones. All of these processes directly or indirectly affect how "energetic" you feel. Three of the nine EAAs bypass the liver and P, where they are catabolized to produce energy.
These amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are called branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). They are proven to increase exercise performance and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. BCAA's effectiveness is boosted in the presence of other amino acids. So we recommend buying an EAA supplement instead of BCAA.
Manufactures mostly add Branched Chain Amino Acids (Trio of Leucine, Iso-Leucine, and Valine) to the energy drinks. BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) account for more than one-third of the total muscle protein.
They get absorbed easily and provide extra fuel to the working muscle, which improves muscle output and performance. So, Energy drinks supplemented with AAs are certainly a good thing but, they are no replacement for a well-balanced diet.
Herbal Ingredients for Those Who Are All About the Healthy Lifestyle
If you are looking for a quick energy boost, herbal energy drinks are not for you. They work slowly, but the effects are long-lasting and don't cause any harm to your body. Some herbal ingredients backed by Ayurveda to increase energy, stamina, recovery, and mental health are ashwagandha, safed musli, shilajit, gokshura, and green tea.
Ashwagandha has anabolic effects (promotes muscle growth) as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. High antioxidant levels can reduce muscle fatigue and decrease oxidative stress. The same reason why green tea is considered an energy-boosting drink.
Shilajit has the potential to boost the functions of mitochondria, the powerhouse of a cell, thus boosting sexual vigor and reducing chronic fatigue. Gokshura and safe musli are also known for the same effects. We recommend herbal energy drinks to those who want therapeutic benefits rather than just a short-term boost.
These drinks are made from powerful herbs that have been backed by science time and again. Herbal drinks will not give you a sudden burst of energy but are an excellent source of hydration with long-term health benefits such as improved energy, sexual and mental health. They can't be used for enhancing sports performance, but are good for overall well-being.
Liquid, Powder, or Tablet - Pick One That’s Convenient for You
Energy drinks can come in liquid, powder, or tablet form. If you are a sports person and usually carry a duffel bag, energy drinks in any form are convenient for you. But if you are traveling, it's better to choose powder or tablets. You don't have to carry extra bottles or cartons that take up space and add weight.
Effervescent tablets can even be carried in your pocket. Just fill a tumbler of water and dissolve the tablet for a refreshing energy drink. If you are on a budget, energy drink mixes are the most affordable. Liquid and tablet forms cost more for the same amount of sugars, salts, and/or amino acids. Some of the best energy drinks for runners come in the form of liquid and effervescent tablets.
Energy drinks are available in several forms like pills, liquids, and powders. All the forms are effective and pretty much do the job of improving energy levels. You can choose any at your convenience, though liquid RTC (ready to consume) drinks are comparatively cheap and need no pre-preparation (Like adding water, etc.) whereas, pills and powders are more useful when traveling.
Check the Amount of Sugar as Energy Drinks May Contain 40 Gms
Almost all instant energy drinks work by supplying your body with carbohydrates or simple sugars, which are either broken down immediately to release energy or stored as glycogen to be used later. If you are looking for an energy drink for regular consumption, go for one with little to no sugar. There are severe side effects to regular high sugar consumption.
An immediate side effect is sugar crash. It occurs when your body produces insulin rapidly to keep your blood sugar levels consistent. The symptoms include a sudden drop in energy levels, irritability, dizziness, and anxiety. Occasional use of sugary energy drinks won't cause any lasting health issues, for example, just before a 400-meter relay or hurdles. It's not like you have a competition every day.
People who are riding long distances also should stay away from energy drinks high in sugar. The reasons are sugar crashes and the ability of glucose to inhibit the production of a chemical called orexin. It is a chemical in your brain that keeps you awake. You don't want to feel sleepy while you are cruising dangerous roads.
Sugar, a simple carbohydrate, gets absorbed readily and releases energy almost immediately. Too much sugar is bad for your health, as it can disrupt your blood glucose levels and make you weak and dizzy. This is very harmful, especially if you have diabetes or trying to lose weight. So, consume energy drinks in limited amounts, as and when required.
10 Best Energy Drinks in India
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HERBALIFE Afresh Energy Drink Mix | | Drink With High Levels of Antioxidants for Sportspersons & Office-Goers | |
2 | Doctor's Choice EAA (Essential Amino Acids) | | Best Energy Drink for Gym - Contains 6g of BCAAs 8.5g of EAAs | |
3 | MuscleBlaze Isotonic Instant Energy Formula | | A Mixture of Sugars, Electrolytes and BCAAs | |
4 | Auric Men's Energy Drink (Pack of 24 bottles) | | No Added Sugar or Caffeine, Only 8.75g of Natural Sugar | |
5 | MuscleBlaze Liquid L-Carnitine | | Helps Burn Fat - For Those Who Want to Improve Their Athletic Performance | |
6 | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder | | Contains Glutamine Known for Stimulating Glycogen Synthesis | |
7 | FAST&UP Reload | | Absorbs Faster and Gentler on Stomach | |
8 | HealthyHey Keto MCT Oil Powder | | Apt for People Following a Keto Diet | |
9 | Cipla Prolyte Energy Drink (Pack of 30) | | Suitable for All Age Groups With 18.4 g of Carbs | |
10 | Monster Energy | | Contains Caffeine and Inositol |
Drink With High Levels of Antioxidants for Sportspersons & Office-Goers
The main ingredients in HERBALIFE Afresh energy drink mix are orange pekoe extract, green tea extract, and caffeine powder. Orange pekoe (medium-grade black tea) and green tea extracts contain high levels of antioxidants, which can decrease oxidative stress and delay muscle fatigue during exercise.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase energy levels, mental alertness, and focus, and this drink mix contains 40 mg per serving of 1 gram (caffeine RDI is 400mg). The company advises not to consume 500ml of this drink mix per day. Assuming that you drink once a day, a single bottle will last 50 days.
We recommend this product to office-goers and sportspersons who want to improve their physical and mental performance.
Best Energy Drink for Gym - Contains 6g of BCAAs 8.5g of EAAs
Doctor's Choice EAA is recommended to bodybuilders and athletes who need to maintain high energy levels and recover faster after strenuous workout routines. A single serving of this product will give you 8.5 grams of EAAs (essential amino acids), of which 6 grams are BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids).
For those who are unaware of the benefits of EAAs, they are amino acids involved in protein synthesis, energy production, tissue repair, and more. The BCAAs present in the EAA matrix bypass the liver and go straight to the muscle tissue, where it is "burned" for energy. So consuming EAAs can provide instant energy as well.
Doctor's Choice EAA can be consumed between and after workouts for maximum benefits. The serving size is 10 grams, and a single pack contains 30 servings. The product is free from sugar and caffeine.
A Mixture of Sugars, Electrolytes and BCAAs
MuscleBlaze Isotonic Instant Energy Formula relies mostly on the sugars present in it to provide energy. A single serving of 34 grams contains 30 grams of sugar present in the form of dextrose and sucrose—both scoring high on the glycemic index. Since it raises blood sugar levels quickly, you can expect an instant increase in energy levels.
Obviously, regular consumption is not healthy. Other than the unhealthy increase in blood sugar levels, dextrose and sucrose can cause fluid buildup and a sugar crash. The formula also contains BCAAs and electrolytes, which work with the sugars to increase energy levels, reduce fatigue, balance pH levels, normalize blood pressure, etc.
We recommend MuscleBlaze Isotonic Instant Energy Formula before an important game or competition when being at your optimum fitness and energy levels is required.
No Added Sugar or Caffeine, Only 8.75g of Natural Sugar
There is a reason this energy drink by Auric is marketed as "Men's". It contains three herbal extracts, ashwagandha, gokshura, and safe musli, proven to boost a man's energy, stamina, and vitality, thus also increasing his sexual performance. Energy drinks are not just for running 100-meter dashes!
But there is a catch. These herbal ingredients are not stimulants and don't provide instant energy. You can expect the above-mentioned therapeutic benefits from the regular consumption of this drink. The company says that the drink contains salts and minerals, but the nutrition table on the pack only shows the sodium content, which is 17.5 mg per 250ml (sodium RDI is 2300mg).
As for the number of calories you are consuming, it is 35 kcal per bottle. There is no added sugar or caffeine, so you don't have to worry about any crashes. The total sugar content is 8.75 grams, which is the natural sugar present in the juice concentrates and coconut water present in this energy drink. The ingredients in this energy drink never cause any side effects.
Helps Burn Fat - For Those Who Want to Improve Their Athletic Performance
It's not every day that you come across an energy drink that can boost your body's fat-burning capability. L-carnitine is a compound similar to an amino acid that burns fatty acids to produce energy. But, just like herbal ingredients, carnitine takes time to work.
MuscleBlaze Liquid L-Carnitine is recommended to anyone who wants to improve their athletic performance and boost fat metabolism in the safest way possible. A single serving of 15 ml contains 1100mg of l-carnitine, 5mg of vitamin B5, and negligible amounts of sugars (<0.075g). Available in flavors lemon lime and tangy orange.
Contains Glutamine Known for Stimulating Glycogen Synthesis
Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder provides 24 grams of protein, 4 grams of glutamine, and 5.5 grams of BCAAs per serving of 30.4 grams. Whey protein contains all essential amino acids, which includes rapid absorbing BCAAs as well as glutamine (known for stimulating glycogen synthesis).
The product is a blend of three types of protein—isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate, with isolate being the main ingredient. Take your whey protein drink with breakfast, before or after a workout. To verify the authenticity of the product, scratch the TRU SEAL sticker and SMS ON<space><6-digit code> to 57575.
Available in eight flavors: double rich chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, cookies & cream, delicious strawberry, extreme milk chocolate, mocha cappuccino, rocky road, and vanilla ice cream.
Absorbs Faster and Gentler on Stomach
You can carry FAST&UP in your pocket. It is easier to prepare an energy drink using this product. Just dissolve one effervescent tablet in 250ml of water and consume it. The product contains all five electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride) along with vitamins C (37.5mg), D3 (100iu), and B12 (1mcg).
All these ingredients work together to reduce fatigue, prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and exhaustion. We recommend carrying FAST&UP with you when you are working out, traveling, and even when you have a fever. It can replenish the electrolytes lost through sweating. Available in flavors: berry, blueberry, caffeine cola, cola, forest fruit, and orange.
Apt for People Following a Keto Diet
Drinking fat for energy may not sound exciting, but MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) oil may change your mind. These triglycerides travel faster than long-chain triglycerides from your gut to the liver and get broken down immediately to release energy or to be stored as fat. So MCT can be considered as a source of instant energy.
HealthyHey Nutrition Keto MCT Oil Powder is unflavored and delivers 116 kcal, 12 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein per serving of 15 grams. As you already know, carbs get broken down into sugars in our bodies to be used as fuel. But those who are on a keto diet follow a low-carb diet rich in fats. Even the sugars in most energy drinks in the market can also mess up your ketogenesis.
We recommend using HealthyHey Nutrition Keto MCT Oil Powder as your energy source. Studies have shown that this product also has the potential to promote weight loss. It stimulates the release of two hormones that invoke the feeling of fullness.
Suitable for All Age Groups With 18.4 g of Carbs
Cipla Prolyte is a classic example of an energy drink. It increases your energy levels by delivering 18.4 grams of carbohydrates (of which 13.6 grams is sugar), which are broken down in your body to produce energy.
There are five major electrolytes in our body, but Prolyte can only replenish three: sodium, potassium, and chloride. You can choose between packs of 6, 10, 20, 30, and 40, depending on how frequently you would need a boost. Available in flavors Apple and Orange on Amazon and Flipkart.
Contains Caffeine and Inositol
Although unhealthy with high sugar content (38.5 grams per 350 ml can), Monster Energy contains two ingredients with many psychological benefits: caffeine (105mg/350ml) and inositol (7mg/350ml). Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system to increase alertness and concentration, and inositol stimulates the production of "feel-good" hormones serotonin and dopamine.
Another important ingredient present in this drink is taurine (1400mg/350ml). It is a compound that can boost your physical performance by increasing the flow of glucose to your muscle tissues. Taurine can also improve symptoms of depression and psychosis.
Monster Energy also contains B vitamins niacin, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. These are popular for increasing blood flow, speeding up tissue repair, improving brain functions, conversion of fat and protein to energy, and many more.
More Beverages for You
We got more drinks to keep you refreshed, hydrated and healthy. Below are the links to articles featuring the best summer drinks, giloy juice brands, and chai patti in India. You will find our top ten picks, followed by a buying guide explaining the various factors you need to consider before choosing these drinks.
Summary
The energy drink market provides us a lot of options when it comes to choosing a product best suited for our needs. Depending on the tonicity, you can choose between hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic drinks, each suitable for a particular scenario. Two of the most basic ingredients present in an energy drink are sugar and salts.
Sugar gives our body energy while the salts, which are lost through sweating, are replenished so they can carry out their various functions inside our body. Amino acids and vitamins are also involved in energy production, tissue repair, etc. But don't rely only on energy drinks to meet the RDI. Get most of it from your diet and let the energy drinks give you a helping hand.
Author - Arun F Xaviour
Top 5 Energy Drink
No. 1: HERBALIFE｜Afresh Energy Drink Mix
No. 2: Doctor's Choice｜EAA (Essential Amino Acids)
No. 3: MuscleBlaze｜Isotonic Instant Energy Formula
No. 4: Auric｜Men's Energy Drink (Pack of 24 bottles)
No. 5: MuscleBlaze｜Liquid L-Carnitine
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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